How many sensors do we have in the Earth's oceans?

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In summary, there are a large number of sensors located on weather buoys, military and intelligence equipment, and classified locations around the world. These sensors provide data on various aspects such as temperature and wave height, but do not measure chemical concentrations. The resolution of the sensors varies and some are highly classified.
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Simfish
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And are any of these sensors stable? What is the effective resolution that we get from these sensors?
 
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Sensors of what? We have dozens (hundreds?) of weather buoys, for example, with lots of sensors on them: http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/rmd.shtml
 
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Oh nice. That's a really nice map.

I was thinking of sensors of pretty much everything (so we obviously know temperature from these - but I was also curious about wave height and chemical concentrations).
 
  • #4
Simfish said:
And are any of these sensors stable? What is the effective resolution that we get from these sensors?

As russ stated, we have hundreds of weather bouys and other countries have their own networks. In addition, the military (especially the Navy and the Coast Guard) have an unknown number of intelligence sensors--on the surface, on the bottom, and likely in between. Finally, there are highly classified sensors located in mysterious places all around the world by numerous agencies--some of which are presumed not to exist.
 
  • #5
Simfish said:
Oh nice. That's a really nice map.

I was thinking of sensors of pretty much everything (so we obviously know temperature from these - but I was also curious about wave height and chemical concentrations).
Well wave height is shown on them (precision, .1 ft) - click one: http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=42099

Not chemical concentrations, though.
 

1. How do we determine the number of sensors in the Earth's oceans?

The number of sensors in the Earth's oceans is determined by various organizations and institutions, such as NOAA, NASA, and universities. These organizations have deployed multiple types of sensors, including buoys, floats, and satellites, to collect data on different aspects of the ocean. By combining data from these sensors, scientists can estimate the total number of sensors in the Earth's oceans.

2. What types of sensors are used in the Earth's oceans?

There are various types of sensors used in the Earth's oceans, including temperature sensors, salinity sensors, current meters, and acoustic sensors. These sensors are used to measure different physical and chemical properties of the ocean, such as temperature, salinity, and sound velocity, which are crucial for understanding ocean dynamics and climate change.

3. How many sensors are currently deployed in the Earth's oceans?

The exact number of sensors currently deployed in the Earth's oceans is difficult to determine, as new sensors are constantly being deployed and old ones are being replaced. However, it is estimated that there are tens of thousands of sensors currently collecting data in the Earth's oceans.

4. What is the purpose of having sensors in the Earth's oceans?

The purpose of having sensors in the Earth's oceans is to collect data on various aspects of the ocean, such as temperature, salinity, and currents. This data is crucial for understanding ocean dynamics, climate change, and the impact of human activities on the ocean. It also helps in monitoring and predicting natural hazards, such as hurricanes and tsunamis.

5. How is the data collected by ocean sensors used by scientists?

The data collected by ocean sensors is used by scientists to study and monitor various aspects of the ocean, such as ocean circulation, marine ecosystems, and climate change. This data is also used to validate and improve ocean and climate models, which are important for predicting future changes in the ocean and climate. Additionally, the data is used for decision-making by government agencies and industries, such as fisheries and shipping, to ensure sustainable use of the ocean's resources.

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